Dylan Rouda taught himself the drums at age 6. Two years later, he’d moved on to the bass and guitar. At age 10, he wrote his first song titled “Teenage Screw-up”.

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, his voice wasn’t discovered until his first-ever musical theater audition for a performance of “Peter Pan.” He drew the attention of the director, who declared he had perfect pitch and cast him as John. Since then, Dylan has performed on stage and on television in numerous roles, but at heart, he’s a singer-songwriter.

Moving to Laguna Beach two years ago, Dylan, now 17 and a junior at Laguna Beach High School, is ready to step into the spotlight again. He is releasing a self-titled EP with five original songs, performing them for the first time, at a release party Wednesday, Nov. 27, 6 to 9 p.m. at Mozambique restaurant in Laguna Beach.

Dylan recorded with Grammy nominated producer Steve Russell in San Diego. The boy composed all of the songs, sings the lead and plays guitar on all of the tracks. Studio musicians accompany him on the recording and will join him onstage.

“Songs are what I think about all day. When I’m playing my guitar, I’m the happiest,” said Dylan, inspired by groups such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Keys, Arctic Monkeys, Sublime and Pearl Jam.